A bumpy ride ...

It seemed like a good idea.

Tired of hanging around the house, my “on hiatus” teacher husband suggested we take off for a day of fun at Busch Gardens yesterday afternoon.

I blocked the memories of our last Busch Gardens trip (see earlier post) from my mind and started out full of optimism. It is an amusement park after all.

Unfortunately, this little Susie Sunshine and her husband encountered a few barriers in trying to actually execute the plan:

• The migraine headache I had the day before decided to stick around and make my life miserable for another day. But hey. That’s nothing a few roller coasters can’t cure. We must press on.

• I had to help with Vacation Bible School yesterday morning and since it was the last day, I also had to help with cleanup and tear down. And Busch Gardens isn’t exactly down the street from us. Our “day of fun” just became “afternoon of fun.” That’s okay. A little fun is better than no fun.

• Daughter’s response to “afternoon of fun:” “Ugh… do we have to go? I am SO tired. I don’t feel like roller coasters today. I’m not going.” My optimism is beginning to crumble.

• Get home and preteen daughter can find “nothing” to wear. Three drawers and a closet full of garments, but still “nothing” to wear. And it’s all my fault. Don’t you remember what it was like being 12? When you had to look perfect for a group of complete strangers that you’ll never see again? I do. Doesn’t mean it’s helping my now waning enthusiasm for the “big fun” we’ve got planned.

• After finally finding suitable attire, it is 2:30 p.m. TWO-THIRTY!!! Must take deep breath. “Afternoon of fun” is now “Evening of fun.” Are we nuts???!

• It’s nearly 150 degrees outside, but Molly and Micah spend a good portion of the ride arguing over the car blanket.

• I forgot my camera (thus no photographic evidence of our adventure. Wait. Maybe that’s a good thing.)
  

We finally arrive. We get food. Everyone feels a little better. Even my headache starts to ease a little. Molly and I hit the Montu roller coaster. There is no line. In fact, there are no lines at all – anywhere.

Pretty soon, we’re having a darn good time. Suddenly, wardrobe malfunctions and blanket battles don’t seem like such a big deal. Who says Disney World is “The Happiest Place on Earth?”

Too often I think I let the massive production involved in orchestrating family activities keep me from just letting loose and having fun. But when I do, I remember, “Yea, it is worth it.”

We’re not just having fun, after all, we’re making memories. And when it’s all said and done, hopefully they’ll remember mostly the good ones.

Children are a gift from God; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 (New Living Translation)